Last Stand. . .-Eric Syrdal

This battle rages
night after day
each time
She has returned
To this place
beneath Japanese Magnolia
and Crepe Myrtle
a place where
a defensive line can be formed
the Engetsu
the Crescent Moon
a place of respite
against his gentle advance
on her territory
against the quiet
questions of the world
to determine a suitable configuration
for their relationship
in the light of day
where memories can be processed
into safe havens
Images of his eyes
The smell of his clothes
The feel of his fingers in her hair
His voice
Each dropped vowel
Each over pronounced consonant
Pieces of him stored away
In dark alcoves
His fingers on a guitar
Caressing the strings of her morality
How long had she held this crossing
Between her heart and his?
How could she tell him she never
Intends to surrender?
She’ll hold to the last
Stand defiant
Jaw set firm
and illuminated
In the glowing embers of this bridge
If necessary

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Eric Syrdal is an independent poet/author. He’s an avid gamer and Sci-Fi enthusiast. He enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy literature and spends a great deal of his writing time focused in those genres. He is from New Orleans, Louisiana, where he lives with wife and two children.  You can read more Eric’s writing at My Sword and Shield….